Madison County Commission to consider 911 digital radio system and water rate increase

Madison County Sheriff Blake Dorning wanted the agreement to include assurances that the new radio system would cover at least 95 percent of the county. (Huntsville Times file photo)

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - The Madison County Commission is expected to act on an agreement at today's meeting for the E-911 Center to install an improved emergency radio system and will hear the Water Department's recommendation about raising water rates.

The commission, which meets at 10 a.m. on the seventh floor of the Madison County Courthouse, delayed action on the E-911 agreement at its March 11 meeting. The delay was for language to be added to the agreement that the 911 Board would strive to cover 95 percent of the county's geographical area. The additional wording was at the request of Sheriff Blake Dorning.

The Madison County E-911 Board plans to spend $4 million to install a new console and equipment in the 911 center to replace the analog emergency radio system with a digital system. The E-911 Board plans to increase the monthly telephone fee from 82 cents to $2 for residents, and from $2.25 to $2.75 for businesses to pay for the center's new equipment.

The county, Huntsville, Madison, emergency responders and others expect to spend millions of dollars to buy digital radios for responders and vehicles.

The county last raised water rates in 1998. The Water Department, which has about 28,000 customers, ran a deficit of almost $1.3 million last year. The commission has considered selling the system to Huntsville Utilities.